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Introduction

The Seogwipo Formation is the old marine sedimentary strata that was formed during the Pliocene Epoch (from 5.3 million to 2.6 million years ago). Situated in Seohong-dong (Seogwipo), the formation contains thick shell fossils formed along coastal cliffs. It is a sedimentary layer whose width amounts to 40m and which is covered by rough basalts. This layer shows heavy concentrations of shell fossils in addition to other animal fossils. It was believed to have been formed approximately 2 to 3 million years ago. In subsequent years, waves helped turn it into a cliff.

Fossils found in the formation include pelecypod, Scaphopoda, brachiopod, echinoderms (such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish), corals, whale bones, and shark teeth; microfossils include foraminifers which were unicellular animals living in the sea.

Because the formation offers valuable information on the traces of marine animals and the environment in the past, it was designated as National Monument No. 195 in 1968. In particular, it was designated as the World Geological Park by UNESCO along with Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and Manjanggul Cave on Jeju Island in October 2010.